The Chinese video app, TikTok might be facing a serious issue in the future as a US court of appeals has mandated that the app be banned by January 19, 2025. This was established after the then government proposed this law as a mitigation against the Chinese government seeking US-based data through the app. However, the law enforced will mean a hindrance to the livelihoods of millions of people. To know more about the TikTok ban, the reasons, and the implications, continue reading.
Initiation of the TikTok Ban
The law banning TikTok in the USA was signed by then-President Joe Biden in April 2024. It will be implemented by January 19, 2025. The law was enforced on the parent company, ByteDance. It was asked to sell TikTok to America, failing which the ban would be upheld from January 2025. The lawmakers stated that the Chinese video app could contain potential threats to national security. Forbes mentioned earlier that the app could have been utilized to track journalists, disparage politicians, and exploit US citizens’ data.
Aftermath of the Ban on Citizens
If the law is implemented, it would mean huge losses for TikTok users all over America. Millions of users on the platform use it to convey their right to freedom of speech and also use it as a source of income. With important news and helpful information, the platform is an everyday app used by around 170 million users. Citizens expressed their disdain over the news of the ban on TikTok, claiming that it was a violation of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech for Americans.
If it is banned, TikTok users will now have to find alternative platforms for their content. However, after the ban, Meta shares have hit an all-time high, following closely with Alphabet, Google’s parent company (2.4%). The law bans Google and Apple from continuing TikTok and other internet platforms for the same app, unless Bytedance keeps up with the demands till January 2025.
What Does the Ban Imply for ByteDance and TikTok?
The CEO of TikTok mentioned in a post how the ban is quite disappointing, nevertheless, they will ensure that free speech is maintained. ByteDance and TikTok have decided to take up the case to the Supreme Court. Their spokesperson has assured that the US government would do right by upholding the free speech of 170 million American citizens in this case.
Trump’s Statement About the TikTok Ban
In 2020 last term, Trump was decisive about upholding the ban on TikTok. However, in this presidential campaign, he promised to keep up the platform. Facing the predicament over the recent status of TikTok, he has assured to save TikTok. His Justice Department would be responsible for ensuring that this law is enforced. Any app stores that do not adhere to the law would be penalized and blocked. However, his measures in order to save the platform are yet to be disclosed.
